In a historic move, the African Union (AU) has finally secured a coveted seat at the prestigious Group of 20 (G20) table, officially becoming a permanent member.

This significant development was unveiled by the Chair of the 2023 G20 Summit and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his opening remarks at the G20 Summit held in Dehli, India.

India, the current holder of the G20 presidency, warmly welcomed the AU chairman and President of Comoros, Azali Assoumani, during the Inaugural Session of the G20, emphasizing that this inclusion would not only fortify the G20 but also amplify the voice of the Global South.

The African Union's accession to the G20 represents a momentous stride forward, opening doors to newfound opportunities and a platform for advancing advocacy on behalf of the African continent.

According to Moussa Faki, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, this historic milestone not only provides a framework for the African Union to advocate for its interests but also positions Africa to make substantive contributions to tackling global challenges.

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"I welcome the African Union's entry into the G20 as a full member. This membership, for which we have long been advocating, will provide a propitious framework for amplifying advocacy in favour of the Continent and its effective contribution to meeting global challenges," declared Faki on Saturday.

This accession of the African Union to the G20 carries profound implications.

South Africa, which previously represented the continent at the G20 table, will no longer bear the sole responsibility of voicing the interests of a continent comprising approximately 1.4 billion people.

The G20, an intergovernmental forum consisting of 19 sovereign nations, the African Union (AU), and the European Union (EU), has made its mark as a crucial platform for addressing pressing global issues, including international financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.

The admission of the African Union as a permanent member underscores the group's commitment to inclusivity and the recognition of Africa's growing importance in the global arena.

With the AU's active participation, the G20 can look forward to a more diverse and comprehensive representation, ensuring a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities that the world faces today.

As the G20 Summit unfolds in the vibrant city of Delhi, the world watches with keen interest, anticipating the collaborative efforts and innovative solutions that will arise from this expanded and diverse membership.

The African Union's presence within the G20 promises to be a catalyst for meaningful change on the global stage, enhancing the voices of the African continent and the Global South in shaping the future of the world economy and sustainable development.